Single Tooth Dental Implant
We will cover single tooth implants in this blog although the processes are similar with multiple implants.
If you’ve had a tooth extracted or have a tooth missing and you would like it replacing there are a number of options to consider first, as a missing single tooth can be replaced with a removable denture, a bridge or a dental implant.
Single tooth removable dentures can be relatively inconspicuous and made from either a flexible plastic which grips the adjacent teeth, a hard acrylic or a cast metal base.
Single tooth bridges require preparation of the adjacent tooth/teeth in order to provide sufficient clearance for the bridge to be bonded in position. Typically all ceramic bridges are the treatment of choice as less preparation of the adjacent tooth/teeth is necessary. Alternative materials are porcelain fused to metal[traditional method], or gold.
If you are still set on a dental implant then we need to check whether you have sufficient bone to accept an implant. To assess your bone volume involves taking a 3D x-ray scan[CBCT] and then reviewing and reporting on your scan.
If you have sufficient bone then a dental implant can be placed. If you have insufficient bone volume then often bone augmentation is possible. Bone augmentation or often known as bone grafting is the application of particles to the area in deficit. The graft material of choice at South Downs Dental Care is an inorganic matrix that your body turns over into your own bone. Animal derived products are avoided at South Downs Dental Care.
Dental implants are divided into three basic components, the actual implant that goes into your bone, the post that is attached to that implant and the final crown that is cemented onto the post or attached directly onto the implant.
To place the implant, your gum is anesthetised[numbed] with a local anaesthetic and tested to ensure you cannot detect any sensation. You may of course feel pressure and hear noise so earphones or earbuds are a good idea to listen to some music or a podcast. Your bone is carefully prepared for the length and diameter of the chosen implant. The implant is then rotated into position, a cover cap and suture placed. The implant has screw threads which provide primary stability of the implant and your gum is then left to heal . Sutures are generally removed at 5 days.
Typically over 6-12 weeks, your implant integrates with your bone and your bone becomes tightly apposed to the implant surface. This integration provides long term stability of your implant. It is usual to leave the implant as is for 3-6 months before proceeding to the next phase.
Once your implant integration has taken place the area is anaesthetised to access the top of your implant. Depending on the situation and location a healing cap may be placed to shape your gum or a post and provisional crown added. Once the gum shape has matured, impressions are taken for your implant crown which is then secured in place 3 weeks later.
Your bite is carefully checked to ensure that no excessive forces are placed on your implant crown. Your implant is now complete and should feel and look like a natural tooth.
Your implant will need to be checked annually.
Fees for a dental implant are typically £3550 divided into stages of pre-operative implant assessment[£150], CBCT scan and scan report[£300], implant placement[£1200], implant exposure and healing cap[£400], abutment and provisional crown [£300] and final abutment/crown[£1200]. Fees may vary depending on your particular situation e.g. if bone augmentation is necessary.
